Jay-Z is up for Best Hip-Hop Artist, facing off Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Future. He receives a double nod in Best Collaboration, one for his joint track with his wife and the other for his duet with Justin Timberlake. He is also nominated for Video of the Year, thanks to his work with his wife.

Chris Brown and Pharrell are pitted against each other in Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year. The other candidates in the former category are August Alsina, Justin Timberlake, and John Legend, and the other nominee in the latter is Drake.